Life Story / Obituary

Print

Robert “Bob” Cole was born in Detroit in 1938. The oldest of his brothers, John and Larry. Bob graduated Grosse Pointe high school and went on to get his bachelor degree at Kenyon college and graduate degree at University of California-Berkley in library science.

Bob passed away quietly due to complications from Vascular Dementia with his loving family by his side on January 27, 2015 in Traverse City. Bob loved his wife of 47 years, Anne, and cherished his son, Dylan, and daughter-in-law, Aimee. He was kind and loving to all.

Bob was a librarian for the City of Detroit for thirty years, mainly managing the Monteith branch on the east side for over 15 years and was a steward in the UAW professional librarian Union.

He loved to walk and jog, and in earlier years ran two Detroit Marathons. Later, he walked daily near his home in Grosse Pointe Park where he always drew a wave from all who passed by and who knew him. Even into his seventies he would walk more than ten miles a day.

He was a compassionate man who cared kindly for his disabled brother, Larry, for several years until his passing. He was passionate about music, especially blues and roots music, and never met a box set he didn't need. He was just as likely to have Robert Johnson in his CD player as he was The Clash, and his eccentric take on life followed into his musical tastes.

There will be a private ceremony held for the family, and in the spring there will be a celebration of his life in the Detroit area.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to make a donation in his memory to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Hwy, Traverse City, MI 49686. Please visit Bob's webpage at www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guest book and share a message with his family.